DAF History

Attention - In accordance with Presidential Executive Orders and DoD Instruction 5400.17, Official Use of Social Media for Public Affairs Purposes, select content is being reviewed and removed from this platform.

The age-old question of emblems vs. patches in the Department of the Air Force ?? What’s the difference between these two? Why does it matter? The article written by Kevin Mobley, a Historian with the Air Force Historical Research Agency, seeks to clear up confusion over these two vastly different products. Available now at: https://lnkd.in/ewAJ8F8Y Featured Image: Attached “Figure 5 – Embroidered Patch” Caption: A USAF embroidered patch of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing featuring the shield design signifying the organization’s status as an “establishment”.

Another excellent product #fromthefield by Mr. James Draper at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum. ???? Check out the podcast below and tell us what you think! ?? ?? ???

Delve into the pivotal moments of the United States Space Force's first five years with the USSF Chronology 2019-2024! ? Read the full publication here: https://lnkd.in/expHsVnv ? ???Witness the Space Force's rapid evolution from its establishment on December 20, 2019, to its accomplishments in 2024. ??? Explore the origins of Space Systems Command, Space Training and Readiness Command, and Space Operations Command.?? Learn about the challenges and achievements that have inspired confidence in the Space Force as it works to secure the nation’s interests in space???? Discover the key leaders who have guided the Space Force.?? Gain insights into the Space Force's culture, organizational structure, and operational history?? Trace the evolution of the Space Force's doctrine, uniforms, and partnerships with other branches and agencies. This comprehensive document chronicles key decisions, initiatives, events, and milestones that shaped the newest branch of the armed services. ? Authored by our USSF historians, this chronology serves as a compact history for today and a reference source for the future, offering insights into the monumental undertaking faced by the service’s founding members. A must-read for anyone interested in the past, present, and future of space operations!

Due to inclement weather and hazardous driving conditions, Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex have declared a "Key and Essential Personnel Only" reporting status, effective immediately. As a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all personnel, only those designated as key and essential are required to report to work on January 21 and 22, 2025. Personnel should contact their supervisor or chain of command for clarification on their reporting status. For this reason, the AFHRA Reading Rooms will remain closed until January 23, 2025. These measures are taken to minimize risks associated with hazardous driving conditions and to prioritize the safety of all base personnel. For the latest updates on base operations, closures, and adjusted hours, please visit the Maxwell Air Force Base website: www.maxwell.af.mil The base will resume normal operations as soon as it is safe to do so. The safety of our personnel is our top priority, and we appreciate the cooperation and understanding of all base personnel and their families.

As his tenure as DAF Secretary comes to a close, SecAF Frank Kendall has provided his vision for the security challenges the Air Force & United States Space Force could face in 2050 & the resources needed to properly respond. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gB5jVccY

Lt. Gen. Forrest S. McCartney: A Visionary of the U.S. Air Force and Space Programs ?? Lt. Gen. Forrest S. McCartney served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1987.? He began his contributions to U.S. space programs in 1959 as a satellite control officer for the Satellite Control Facility in Sunnyvale, CA.? In 1961, Lt. Gen. McCartney was assigned to the Office of Space Activities at Andrews Air Force Base (1961), where he influenced the earliest stages of the Titan III program that eventually launched pivotal NASA space probes, such as the Viking, Voyager, and Helios missions.? As Director of M-X Program in 1980, Lt Gen. McCartney oversaw the development of the groundbreaking MX missile, also known as the Peacekeeper International Ballistic Missile (ICBM).? Lt. Gen. McCartney’s leadership in the early 1980s, as Commander of the Space Division (1982) and Vice Commander of Space Command (1983), further expanded the capabilities of the U.S. Space Command.??? ?? His leadership at the Kennedy Space Center from 1986 to 1991 restored public confidence in the space shuttle program following the Shuttle Challenger accident.? He retired from the Air Force in 1987 and continued leading the Kennedy Space Center until 1991.? ?? ?? Explore valuable records and documents on Lt. Gen. McCartney’s distinguished career at the Air Force Historical Research Agency. #History #DAFHMP #SpaceForce #Guardians #KennedySpaceCenter #SpaceExploration #USAF #Leadership John F Kennedy Space Centre

?? From the Stacks: Operation APHRODITE In 1944, the Army Air Forces aimed to turn the tide of WWII with unmanned B-17s and B-24s. ?? This remarkable but tragic operation sought to use war weary bombers as psychological warfare against German morale. Despite its innovative efforts, the operation faced significant setbacks and cost many lives, including Lieutenant Joseph Kennedy Jr. Dive into the story of Operation Aphrodite and explore its impact on the future of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), showcasing the balance between innovation and risk management in combat technology. Read the full post here: https://lnkd.in/eVMEQv8H Featured image: Attached “Figure 1- Task Force Formation (00231470)” Caption: An aerial photo of an unknown Operation APHRODITE task force formation sometime in 1944. AFHRA IRIS 00231470

Here are some great tips on how to request military service records for our citizen archivists!

Due to anticipated winter weather conditions in the surrounding area, the AFHRA Reading Rooms will be closed on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. All personnel are urged to exercise caution, as road conditions may deteriorate with ice and freezing rain are expected throughout the region. Please ensure your safety and monitor local conditions before traveling.